Chapter 251: He must die

Although there was still some noise, the reasoning was quickly settled, the villagers were very cooperative, and no one expressed opposition.

Chen Wuji was very pleased with this result.

In this world, there are still many who value reason; people like Ruan Xiong are ultimately just a minority.

Actually, for this matter, Chen Wuji himself knew that such harsh measures weren't really necessary, but he didn't have that much time.

No one knows when the Qiang people will appear at the foot of South Mountain; if the walls are prepared a day earlier, they gain an extra measure of safety.

Chen Wuji didn't have the time to explain his purpose to them slowly; he couldn't afford to drag things out.

Cutting through tangled hemp with a swift blade is the most advantageous approach right now.

Even if Ruan Xiong's death sentence was a bit hasty, he still has to die!

Truth lies only on the tip of spears and blades; this saying has always been effective throughout history.

Seeing how cooperative the villagers are now, Ruan Xiong can be said to have died deservedly.

Chen Luozi hurried over.

"Is it over already?" he shouted regretfully.

Xiong Paozi chuckled, his expression slightly complex, and said, "It's settled; Chen Wuji came over and just chopped Ruan Xiong down—who could still have objections? Even if they did, they'd have to swallow it."

Chen Luozi stared, glanced at Chen Wuji, and lowered his voice: "You didn't try to stop him?"

Xiong Paozi waved at Chen Luozi.

"What are you up to?" Chen Luozi asked suspiciously.

"Come over here, I want to tell you something."

Chen Luozi frowned and walked over, saying, "Can't you just say it straight? We're only two steps apart—why make it so mysterious?"

Xiong Paozi suddenly grabbed Chen Luozi's neck and made a stabbing motion.

Chen Luozi was startled, jumped aside, and shouted angrily, "You old brat, are you crazy?"

Xiong Paozi calmly said, "Chen Wuji killed Ruan Xiong just like that—how could I have stopped him?"

Chen Luozi: ……

He held back for a while before muttering, "Is this kid really that ruthless now? He's practically inherited Old Three's true teachings."

Xiong Paozi nodded in agreement, saying, "Anyway, he looks pretty fierce to me."

"Still, this guy really needs to die." Chen Luozi's eyes flickered.

"War is imminent; we can't be held back by these villagers. These messy trifles should be settled early, and suppressing them with force is most effective. We both know what kind of people they are; unless disaster strikes them directly, they'll find it hard to believe what we say."

"The so-called foolish husbands are just them—parroting others, clinging to a single idea." Xiong Paozi said, "Chen Wuji must have seen this too, which is why he did this: a swift blade cuts through tangled hemp, first suppressing this trouble."

"I'll go talk to Chen Wuji."

"Hmm."

Chen Wuji had just finished assigning tasks to the villagers.

Besides the Yuan and Wang family uncles and nephews, everyone else chose to contribute labor.

The Wang family uncles and nephews chose to contribute grain.

As for the Yuan clan, they mixed grain and wealth, then contributed eight able-bodied men.

This wasn't their choice; Chen Wuji helped them decide.

They had no objections and agreed readily.

"Family Head, I've already sent people to transport the grain; who do you think should guard it?" Chen Luozi asked.

"Grain is of utmost importance; do you have any recommendations?" Chen Wuji asked.

Chen Luozi chuckled, "Actually, Old Eleven would be the best choice, but he's already juggling multiple duties; if he also had to guard the granary, he'd be stretched too thin. The younger generation in the clan lacks his steadiness."

The Old Eleven he referred to is Chen Li.

Because he is the eleventh, the clan mostly calls him Eleven, and many villagers also call him Chen Eleven.

"Eleven Uncle probably really won't do." Chen Wuji thought for a moment, shook his head, and ruled out Chen Li.

Chen Luozi thought it over and said, "Then how about Chen Wuyu?"

Chen Wuji nodded, "Okay, but one person isn't enough; we need to find another, two people together."

"All right, I'll think again." Chen Luozi rubbed his forehead, headache forming, "Choosing someone is really not easy; this bunch of kids is flighty but lacks steadiness."

"There's no need to be so strict; as long as they're responsible, conscientious, and patient, you can arrange it." Chen Wuji smiled and then asked, "On your trip around the nearby villages and towns, did you gather any outside news?"

"Yes, but it's mostly what we already knew; only the matter of the North Gate of the Garden has been confirmed. Passing merchant caravans said that Qiang scouts have already appeared outside San Guan Jun, and the war should break out soon." Chen Luozi's tone grew heavy, and he suddenly cursed.

"These damned Qiang people; in my lifetime I will surely wipe out this tribe!"

Chen Wuji's mood suddenly sank: "That fast?"

"The Qiang people mainly rely on light cavalry, so speed is normal. But this is likely their scouts or small raiding parties; the main force probably won't come that fast." Chen Luozi said.

Chen Wuji said, "I hope they come a little slower; we need time to prepare, and I think Commander Yang Jinglve needs even more time to prepare."

"That man seems like a good official; it's a pity..." Chen Luozi said.

Chen Wuji collected his emotions, "Ninth Uncle, pick a few clansmen; tomorrow we need to go into the mountains."

"Observing the terrain?"

"Not just that; we also need to set some traps." Chen Wuji said, "Since this war is unavoidable, we must go all out, using every means at our disposal. The more we prepare now, the fewer clansmen will die."

"Understood, I'll make the arrangements."

Although he was in the village, Chen Wuji couldn't return home all day.

Only after evening, when he had eaten with everyone at the camp, did Chen Wuji finally return home.

As a newly appointed commander, he had a myriad of matters to attend to.

"Yo, our Brigade Commander Chen is back?"

Chen Wuji had just stepped into the courtyard when a teasing voice suddenly rang in his ears.

Chen Wuji followed the sound and looked over, seeing Qin Zhanhong leaning by the stone table, dressed in a black combat outfit, a long sword hanging at his waist, smiling and speaking gently. He was suddenly delighted, "You didn't return to the capital?"

"I suddenly don't want to go back." Qin Zhanhong said with a faint smile, "His Majesty also approved my request, letting me stay in Lingnan to continue scouting the enemy's movements."

A warm current quietly passed through Chen Wuji's heart.

Some people are soft all over, but their mouths are as hard as can be.

"But staying here is very dangerous." Chen Wuji said gently.

"You're not afraid, so why should I be? My martial arts are better than yours, I've read more books, my official rank is higher—do I need you to lecture me?" Qin Zhanhong rolled her eyes.

In that moment, her myriad charms almost left Chen Wuji dazed.

"Alluring" is an adjective known to everyone.

But only those who have truly encountered an alluring woman know just how powerful that allure can be.